February 20th, 1890

Mrs. Melody Crouch,

I know we haven't spoken in a while, which is an absolute shame, but it seems we've both found ourselves in similar situations within the last couple years. It lead me to reach out and let you know that I've been where you are and I'm here if you need a sympathetic ear.

My sincerest congratulations on your nuptials, even if they were a surprise. I've sent along a fine bottle of wine for you to share with your new husband.

Sincerely,
Mrs. February Umbridge

Melody Crouch

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   Melody Crouch

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February 24th, 1890

Dear Mrs. February Umbridge,

My apologies for not responding sooner! Mr. Crouch and I are currently honeymooning in Paris and I've been terribly distracted. Thank you for reaching out! Your letter was a kindness in otherwise distressing times. And thank you for the wine, I look forward to enjoying it.

It's hard to believe it's been so long since we've spoken. How has married life treated you? Do the rumors ever subside? I also remember hearing that you had a daughter. Is she well?

I do look forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely,
Melody Crouch

  

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beautiful set by mj

February 25th, 1890

Melody,

How terribly exciting! What a wonderful choice to spend some time while the chaos wears off. It will... eventually. Unless you are, apparently, a favorite of Witch Weekly and then it picks up when you least expect it to. Someone else (sorry it had to be you for me!) will do something more noteworthy sooner rather than later and it'll all fade to the background. As hypocritical as it would sound coming from me of all people, minding your Ps and Qs for a while won't hurt. At least you get a lovely trip to France to enjoy! If you're near the channel at all, wave to me, I'm just on the other side!

Married life has treated me quite well, though I don't do well idling, having a babe on the move prevents any sort of stillness! Our daughter, Violet, is seven months now and doing splendidly, thank you for asking! She's crawling everywhere and is quite the nosy little peach! It wasn't a position I saw myself enjoying as much as I do, but I have no complaints really.

Of course correspondence is a lovely distraction! If you leave Paris at all, head toward the South of France, I hear it's a bit warmer this time of year!

Fondly,
February

  

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February 26th, 1890

February,

Such advice will be incredibly helpful, thank you again.
I didn't know you were right across the water! Perhaps we can arrange a visit on our way home. I hope you don't mind my asking, but why did your family decide to settle so far from your previous home? Was it because of the scandal?

That's wonderful. I'm happy to hear your daughter is doing well. My sister, Margaret, has a son who was a darling at that age. Now he's nearing two and gives everyone a run for their money! Such is the way of life, I suppose. All babies must become balls of high energy at some point!

I shall mention it to Reuben. Perhaps we can make a trip to some vineyards. Though, I will admit I am greatly enjoying seeing what Paris has to offer.

Sincerely,
Melody

  

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beautiful set by mj

February 28th, 1890

Melody,

Oh yes, that would be lovely! The decision to settle here was entirely a romantic, sentimental whim. I always wanted a place by the beach and a cosy little cottage to call my own, so here we are. It just so happened to work in our favor when we found this place. Being out of the spotlight was a bonus.

Yes it's never boring, that's for certain! I hear two is tough, lots of attitude and if she's anything like me, I'm going to be sunk.

I do hope you enjoy your trip, no matter where you wind up!

Fondly,
February

  

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March 2nd, 1890

February,

Did you make it through the oddities of the 28th alright? Nothing was drastically altered here aside from my books being packed in a different order. Though, with no news from my family I can't say with certainty that nothing has changed there.

Your cottage sounds lovely. Reuben is quite close with his siblings so we're looking for lodgings near Hogsmeade. I find it regrettable how forgiving the families of men are in comparison with women. Were my brother to have made the decisions I had my parents would've welcomed his bride with open arms. Such is the lot we're afforded, I guess.

Anywho, I hope nothing has been altered dramatically in your life!

Sincerely,
Melody

  

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beautiful set by mj

March 5th, 1890

Melody,

Nothing unusual here, though Edric had things to sort at work. It feels as though something is amiss, but I haven't found it yet.

It's quite darling really, needed a little fixing up, but I have a little library and we have a spare room for another child still. It'll be comfortable for a long while yet. I cannot wait for the garden to be in bloom this year, I put a lot of hard work into it last year.

You're quite right though, the unbalanced nature of our predicaments. I have not spoken to my parents since we moved and have only see my sisters a handful of times. It's not easy, but I made me decisions and I will stick to them, hoping they come around eventually. My little family is all I need.

It'll all be fine, as I hope it is for you!

Fondly,
February

  

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March 10th, 1890

February,

Oh dear! Have you found the source yet? I hope it's nothing major.

I've drafted letters to each of my siblings but haven't as of yet been bold enough to post them. It's funny - I grew up alongside them, cheering them, competing with them, and they're just...gone to me if my Father's words hold true. I dare not risk their futures, so much may be lost to them by remaining in contact with me.

Paris is still lovely. I've even discovered a massive library. It's amazing.

Sincerely,
Melody

  

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beautiful set by mj